Description
A simple and versatile homemade bread recipe that results in a soft, fluffy loaf with a golden, crusty exterior, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups lukewarm water
- 2 teaspoons yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, it may be expired, and you’ll need fresh yeast.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture to the flour and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed to prevent stickiness.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape the Dough: Punch the dough down, turn it onto a floured surface, and shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased bread pan or on a baking sheet if you prefer a freeform shape.
- Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a crustier crust, place a pan of water in the oven or spritz the dough with water before baking.
- To make fluffier bread, ensure the water is lukewarm and give the dough enough rise time.
- For a sweeter loaf, add a bit more honey or sugar, or add cinnamon for a spiced touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
